Feeling down ...

[Sima1952]

Hi everyone, had a bad day - emotion wise - on Wednesday and today l'm not well! I run a Beaver Scout Colony, have done for the last 15mths, and a Brownie Pack, forever and a day; although my sight issue only started at the beginning of 2014.

What l'm writing about is, and l'm sure others on the site have had this happen to you in different circumstances. l was in the stores looking for some badges which l knew were there but l couldn't for life of me find them, anyway l started to say " I hate this, over and over again including "this sight issue" every now again, basically l'm not handling the sight issue as well as everyone thinks l am. Unbeknownst to me the Cub Leader had walked in and l'm pretty sure she heard me but she didn't say anything and l went back into the hall.

The problem is - and that is if she heard me - that she now knows that l'm not handling the sight issue as well as everyone thought l was. What do l do, do l mention it to her the next time l see her; what if she mentions it in passing to other people; l don't want people feeling sorry for me but l also need help.

I contacted Sensory Services today and they should be phoning me on Monday. Does nayone have any advise?

[Hollyg]

damn..why not just tell people? give them the chance to step up and be a friend or at least gracious! you might be surprised at how much people like you

[andy1955 Macular Society]

Hi Sima, everyone will how some times when they are feeing down. If you would like to have a chat about it, please call the Macular Society Helpline on 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society

[Sima1952 in reply to andy1955]

Hi Andy, thank you for your positive reply. I shall phone tromorrow and have a caht rather than today , been to the hospital and it's been a tiring day.

Sally

[jamkan]

Hi Sima I understand your dilemma. When I was first diagnosed with Sorsbys 5 years ago I was so worried about how people would treat me when they found out about my situation and for a long time I just kept it to myself and certainly didn't tell people how emotionally difficult I was finding it all. However, my sight has deteriorated so much this year that I've been forced to "come out" and I've found that without fail people have been understanding and I've even developed closer relationships with people who previously I'd have classed as acquaintances. Although your cub leader is not necessarily dealing with the same issue you face, the chances are she will have experience of managing a difficult personal situation herself and so you might be surprised that her response is far more positive than you expect. Its hard to face the idea of failing sight and increasing dependence on others but if my experience has taught me anything, its that when you admit your difficulties most people are generally good, caring and want to help. By revealing your vulnerabilities you allow people to connect with who you really are and in turn you enable others to take the courage to speak out and ask for help themselves when needed. Good luck Sima!